We spoke to Italian football expert Michael De Luca about possible transfer targets for Cardiff City this January from Italy’s top league. As always, we asked for a right-back, a midfielder and a striker.

Striker – Andrea Petagna

Having come through the Milan youth system, Petgana had a series of loan moves before making an impact at Atalanta, where he scored nine goals in 63 appearances. His current loan move at SPAL has been more productive, however, scoring six goals in 18 games.

Michael: “The 23-year old is coming up on 100 Serie A appearances and he’s shown a great deal of promise in his young career. Petagna’s an imposing 6 ft. 2 inches and delivered 4 goals and 7 assists in 29 league appearances for an impressive Atalanta side in 2017/18. It’s his ability to disrupt opposing defences his with hold-up play that could lend Neil Warnock’s side with some added steel in front of goal. If his loan spell at SPAL is cut short, January could see the capped striker on his way out of Bergamo.”

Right-back – Leonardo Spinazzola

At 25, Leonardo Spinazzola is approaching the prime of his career. Currently, playing for Juventus, the Italian right-back has found game time limited and a loan move to South Wales could work for all involved.

Michael: “Another ex-Atalanta stalwart makes the shopping list. The fullback is currently on the books at Juventus, but playing time has been non-existent – literally. With no appearances in the opening 19 matchweeks, Spinazzola is in desperate need of a move. A loan in Wales could prove his worth thanks to his skill in linking defence and attack. He’s shown total comfort against top six opposition in Italy; a man of the match performance against Napoli in February of last season evidence of this. Warnock’s men have found it difficult to feed meaningful balls to the attack. Spinazzola could be the bridge.”

Centre-midfield – Alfred Duncan

The Ghanaian international has played for two of Italy’s most prestigious clubs in Internationale and Sampdoria. Currently plying his trade for Sassuolo, the central midfielder may be tempted to switch to the Premier League this January.

Michael: “Sassuolo’s midfield generale could bring extra grit to the base of the midfield that the Premier League would demand, whilst still being able to feed the likes of Hoilett, Paterson and Camarasa. At 25 years old, he’s logged enough top flight minutes to swallow the pressure of a looming relegation scrap.”